2 lbs. extra-lean ground beef
4 slices bread, crumbled
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. minced onion
2 tsp. dried celery flakes
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1 bottle (18 oz.) smoke-flavored barbecue sauce, divided
12 slices uncooked bacon

Combine first eight ingredients and 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce. Form into 12 thick patties. Wrap bacon slice around the sides of each patty and secure with a toothpick. Bake on a rack at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until desired doneness is reached. Baste frequently with remaining barbecue sauce the last 30 minutes. Yield: 12 servings.

Kansas ranks fifth in beef production, so this is a fitting recipe for our state. Our family, including the grandchildren, loves this hearty main dish.